Manchester City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma has expressed his hope that former teammate Kylian Mbappé recovers from injury in time for the Champions League second leg in Manchester next week.
Manchester City’s Gianluigi Donnarumma admits facing Real Madrid without the injured Kylian Mbappé provides a defensive advantage but hopes to see the Frenchman fit for the return leg.
Mbappé remains sidelined with a knee injury for Wednesday’s clash at the Bernabéu. “I hope that he (Mbappe) can come back very soon – and can be ready for the second-leg, because he deserves it,” Donnarumma said.
Despite the forward’s absence, Donnarumma remains wary of Real Madrid’s depth amid their significant injury crisis.
The Italian international, who has established himself as Pep Guardiola’s primary goalkeeper since arriving from PSG, also praised opposite number Thibaut Courtois.
Donnarumma noted, “He (Courtois) has been among the best in class for many years and I have many things to learn from such a goalkeeper.”